Agricultural Inspectors
Agricultural inspectors examine crops, livestock, processing equipment, and facilities to verify compliance with health, safety, and quality regulations. They work for government agencies, visiting farms, food processing plants, storage facilities, and logging operations across rural and urban areas. The role combines fieldwork with documentation and regulatory enforcement.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against agricultural inspectors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
An inspector might spend the morning examining crop fields for pest damage or pesticide residue, then move to a packing facility to check equipment sanitation and food handling practices. Afternoons often involve reviewing documentation, taking samples for lab analysis, writing inspection reports, and communicating violations to facility managers. Travel between locations is common, and inspectors maintain detailed records of all findings for regulatory compliance.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You work well in this role if you're detail-oriented and comfortable following established procedures and regulations precisely. You prefer practical, hands-on work with clear standards, and you're reliable about documentation and compliance—traits that make inspection work steady and predictable.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | $63,270 | $77,150 | $84,910 | 180 |
| New York | $64,990 | $73,920 | $82,640 | 340 |
| Ohio | $58,160 | $69,280 | $71,860 | 210 |
| Michigan | $55,410 | $65,730 | $85,180 | 320 |
| Vermont | $57,870 | $63,630 | $74,420 | 60 |
| Louisiana | $55,420 | $63,130 | $69,420 | 150 |
| Washington | $51,580 | $62,880 | $71,140 | 450 |
| Illinois | $48,510 | $62,000 | $75,130 | 470 |
| Hawaii | $49,860 | $60,650 | $68,270 | 90 |
| Maryland | $48,570 | $58,160 | $70,660 | 150 |
| North Dakota | $47,280 | $57,590 | $63,110 | 80 |
| Pennsylvania | $48,660 | $55,650 | $69,910 | 520 |
All 43 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) — American Society of Agronomy
- Certified Professional Agronomist (CPAg) — American Society of Agronomy
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against agricultural inspectors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 45-2011.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.